2014 Sweet Embrace Stakes Final Field and Barrier Draw

Twelve two-year-old fillies have been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm, highlighted by several exciting Autumn Carnival prospects.

Lady Jivago has been confirmed in the 2015 Sweet Embrace Stakes final field. Photo: Steve Hart

Lady Jivago is yet to taste anything but success over her short racing career so far, but will have to overcome the wide and somewhat awkward barrier 11 if to continue her impressive run through the 2015 Sweet Embrace Stakes.

Debuting with a good win in the Wyong Function Centre Maiden (1000m) on January 22nd, Lady Jivago stamped her claims as one to watch when hitting the line close to two lengths in the clear of her closest rival in the Inglis Classic (1200m) last time out on February 7th.

Always Allison was impressive when taking out her only race start to date on February 4th and is offered a great chance of further success in the 2015 Sweet Embrace Stakes from the rails draw.

Jumping from the gates well in the TAB Rewards Plate, Always Allison was immediately led to the fore of the pack by jockey Glyn Schofield and never appeared in doubt; hitting the line two-and-a-half lengths in the clear of closest rival Badraan.

Trainer Chris Waller has been thrilled with the form and class displayed by the More Than Ready filly over the last fortnight, and is also confident in the chances of stable mate Micucci, who will has been charged with overcoming the outside barrier.

Debuting with a credible four amongst classy competition in a Rosehill minor over 1100m in late December, Micucci has continued to build to the task and again finished fourth in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) last time out on January 31st.

Gary Portelli is confident the continually building class of Racy points towards notable black type success in coming seasons, and has included the two-year-old in the 2015 Sweet Embrace Stakes final field.

Charging home to win the Pro-Ride Plate (1000m) on debut in December, the daughter of Exceed And Excel continued to impress when third amongst classy company in the Canterbury sprint, but was luckless when checked early and blocked for a run in the Magic Millions 2.y.o Classic (1200m) last time out.

Arguably the biggest winner at Wednesday’s barrier draw when allocated the ideal gate 5, Racy’s chances of 2015 Sweet Embrace Stakes took an even greater boost this week when confirmed to be partnered by leading jockey Hugh Bowman.